Althought the new Audio Return Channelfunction is introduced in HDMI 1.4 specification, but ARC-enabled devices can be connected via all the existing categories of HDMI cables.
The following new features are mainly introduced in HDMI 1.4 specification :
1.HDMI Ethernet Channel
2.Audio Return Channel
3.3D
4.4K Resolution Support
5.Expanded Support For Color Spaces
6.HDMI Micro Connector
7.Automotive Connection System
For feature 1, you need a new cable HDMI 1.4 with ethernet, and for feature 7, you need a new class of cable, which is designed specifically for automotive use. All of the other new features are compatible with the existing categories of cables.